I. The Transitional Types

Type A (fig. 52).

Fig. 52. Bjertnes, Sigdal, Busk. 1/2 [page 60]

The [upper and lower] guards are low with
strongly curved, even ridged sides. The cross-sections are evenly wide and
rounded at the ends. The pommel is also evenly wide, three-sided, narrower
than the guards, and in a couple of cases divided into three segments, and
in one case also divided into seven segments (B 6845: Neri, Opstryn s.,
Stryn, Nordfjord). One specimen from Trøndelagen (T 64)
has a segmented pommel with three divisions. The guards are close to type
H, they are wider, although not of this type entirely. The specimen resembles
to a large degree C 21704, pictured under type H (fig. 84). Overall, these types affect each other.

Type A is poor, simple, and does not make
a strong impression with its low guards of ordinary length, and with its
thin pommel. The guards are without a metal covering, the pommel has not
been attached to it [the upper guard] with
rivets, only by sticking the shaft through and flattening it at the end
of the pommel. 8 specimens have been found of this type. In addition we
have T 64 from Trøndelagen. In 4 of the specimens only the
guards are preserved. Other parts may not have been placed in the grave
either.[1]Of the remaining
4, 3 have double-edged [blades] and 1 has a single-edged blade. Neither of the blades are
damascened or have inscriptions. They are narrow, and among the smaller
of the blades from the Viking Age. [59]

I list the 8 specimens below:

1. C 2039.

Sander, Kraakstad, Akh.

2. C 20931a.

Bjertnes, Krødsherred, Sigdal, Busk.

3. Skiens mus. 2720.

Nordheim, Hedrum, J.L.

4. B 936.

Helleve, Vangen s. Voss, S.B.

5. B 2755 - 62

Prestegaarden, Voss, S.B.

6. Nord. mus. 18724.

Fortun, Lyster, N.B.

7. B 6845.

Nesi, Opstryn s. Stryn, N.B.

8. T 1937.

Vigten, Nærø, N.T.

As one can see, the distribution is wide, and not tied to a particular
region of the country [Norway]. The type is
lacking in the south-western part of the country, but the material is so
limited that this factor, for the time being, has little significance.

Of the other items found together with swords of this type, are axes
of type A and B, and also an ax that is close to type D. Of shields, there
are pieces of R 564 in one find. Besides, in one of the finds, there appears
a single-edged sword without hilt (C 20931, Bjertnes, Krødsherred).

It will become evident that the type is very old, especially the aforementioned
find from Krødsherred which must be from the 7th Period [of the Iron Age]. However, the ax close to type
D points to the fact that the type extends beyond the transition into the
Viking Age.

I do not know this type outside of Norway. It is surely a plain simplification
of sword pommels from the older Iron Age; but I shall not point to a particular
prototype. It must be said however, that there is great similarity with,
for example, the sword depicted in Praehistorische Zeitschrift VI, p.
154, fig. 57f. This depicted sword is from Finland. [60]